Andre Schaeffner

In 1932, Andre Schaeffner developed a new classification scheme that was "exhaustive, potentially covering all real and conceivable instruments".^[2]

Schaeffner's system has only two top-level categories which he denoted by Roman numerals:

• I: instruments that make sound from vibrating solids:
  • I.A: no tension (free solid, for example cymbals or claves);
  • I.B: linguaphones (solid fixed at only one end, such as a drum or gong);
  • I.C: chordophones (solid fixed at both ends, i.e. strings such as piano or harp);
• II: instruments that make sound from vibrating air (such as clarinets, trumpets, or bull-roarers.

The system agrees with Mahillon and Hornbostel-Sachs for chordophones, but groups percussion instruments differently.